Florida Tech Earns STARS Silver Rating for Sustainability
Recognized for Achievements in Academics, Engagement, Operations, Innovation and Planning
MELBOURNE, FLA. — Florida Tech has once again earned a STARS Silver rating in recognition of its outstanding sustainability achievements.
STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. There are currently 355 institutions with a valid STARS rating, including 10 in Florida.
The rating lasts three years. Florida Tech also earned STARS Silver in 2021.
“The continual action needed to achieve this distinction solidifies our intent to contribute to sustainability and the environment in our community and world,” said Kathy Villegas Murillas, co-chair of the University Sustainability Council. “By supporting efforts to reduce and combat waste, introduce effective measures for sustainable campus operations, and enhance sustainable educational programs and studies, we drive innovation across multiple disciplines to help safeguard our planet.”
Institutions are rated based on a cumulative score compiled by achievements in academics, engagement, planning and administration, operations and innovation. With more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance.
“STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts,” said AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. “Florida Tech has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS Silver rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts.”
Among the featured accomplishments in Florida Tech’s public report were the university’s six solar-powered tables, placed around campus through funding from the Student Government Association. The tables offer both outlets and illumination.
“This is the culmination of three years of work by many members of our campus community, and Florida Tech will continue ‘reaching to the STARS,’ as our motto says, to obtain Gold status,” Villegas Murillas said. “We look forward to connecting with more of our campus and local community for their help in pursuing these ambitious goals.”
